Sally (Barnes) Long

Sally (Barnes) Long passed away surrounded by her family on August 13, 2021 and went to be with the Lord, after a fall that afternoon. Sally was born July 20, 1941 in Peterborough, England.

Sally was a daughter born during WWII. Her father, Thomas Barnes, was an RAF pilot who died in Holland on duty. Her mother, Gladyes (Pestel) Barnes-Stottlemyer, was a war bride.

After the war, she lived in Powhaten Point, Ohio with her siblings Carol, Victor, Robin, Jeffery, and many cousins. Much later, she met and married Richard, her husband of 54 years, in Columbus, Ohio.

Sally always enjoyed sporting competitions, whether it was pee-wee football, horse racing, the Olympics, and YAHTZEE. She was well known for her love of college football and was a proud Ohio State Buckeye fan. "GO BUCKS!”

During her married life, Sally drove BMW motorcycles, led Cub Scouts, taught Sunday school, was a history buff, and served several church congregations in leadership and servant positions. Sally was both a Cursilista and presenter of the Emaus program in the Methodist Church. She felt her greatest calling as a Prayer Warrior!

Sally has three sons, Andrew, Matt, and Mark; daughter-in-law, Jenna; grandchildren, Kaiden and Eva; a loving husband; siblings, cousins, many friends and acquaintances, all who will miss her prayers and joy in the LORD, greatly!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Weinberger officiating.

Vivian R. Taylor

Vivian R. Taylor, age 73, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 in Williamston, Michigan. She was born November 27, 1947 in Elkhorn City, Kentucky, the daughter of Fleming and Iness (Richmond) Stiltner.

Vivian had lived in the Stockbridge area for 20 years, moving from Brighton. She enjoyed cooking and living in the country. On September 10, 2006, she married Patrick R. Taylor, and he survives. Also surviving are three children, Dawn Draper, Barry Draper, and Tonya Draper; four grandchildren, one brother and four sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2021, 12:30 p.m., at the Dansville Free Methodist Church.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Vivian’s name may do so to the Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Association (SAESA).

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Robert C. Castle

On September 30, 2021, loving husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, friend, and pastor left this world and flew straight into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ, whom he served faithfully from the time of his salvation at the age of 16.

Robert Carew Castle (Pastor Bob) was born on June 29, 1953 in Stockbridge, Michigan to Henry and Fannie Castle. He graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1971 and Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 1976. He was married to Debra (Caudle) for 47 years. He pastored Jeruel Baptist Church for 42 years.

He is survived by Scott and Michelle Castle, Catherine, Caleb, Caden, Caitlynn, Christian, and Chason of Jackson, MI; Kimberly and Phillip Tanner, Keturah, Alexia and Spencer of Collierville, TN; Craig and Leah Castle, Hunter, Eloise, and Dalton of Andover, MN; Stephanie and Justin Brahs, Landon, Gavin, and Deacon of Oak Grove, MN; Lynette and Alan Anderson of Dexter, MI; Cynthia and Matthew Price, Adaline, Cora, and Hudson of Holt, MI; and Claire Caudle (mother-in-law) of Decatur, IL; Jim and Ruth Castle, Henry Castle, Jr, Mary Castle, Loretta and David Sherfield; Donald Castle, John and Debbie Castle, and many many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Henry and Fannie Castle, Chris (brother); Bobbie Jean and Norma Jean (twin sisters) and Donald Caudle (father-in-law), as well as several miscarried grandbabies.

The family would like to express their special appreciation to Allegiance Hospice and nurses, especially Missy K., as well as the staff of Henry Ford Allegiance: Dr. Jen (Radiology), Dr. Malcom Trimble (Oncology), and the nurses and staff that served Pastor Bob through his treatments.

Visitation will be held at the Jeruel Baptist Church in Munith on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. , as well as Monday, October 4, 2021 from 12 noon until the time of service.

Funeral Services will be held at the church on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Fitchburg Cemetery in Stockbridge, Michigan.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to Jeruel Baptist Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Robert E. "Bob" Breuninger

Robert E. “Bob” Breuninger, age 88, of Dexter, Michigan, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. He was born on June 25, 1933 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Walter and Evelyn (White) Breuninger.

Bob was a long-time dairy farmer in Dexter, where he and his wife, Carol, raised their family. He was a member of St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ in Dexter for many years. He loved his family, his dogs, and living on the farm. His favorite job on the farm was planting corn. He enjoyed being outside, playing cribbage, and watching the Detroit Tigers. He spent many mornings with his “breakfast group,” something he enjoyed greatly.

On April 8, 1961, he married Carol Ann Leininger in Monroe, Michigan. She preceded him in death on February 14, 2016. He is survived by two children, Bruce (Jennie) Breuninger and Kristin (Dave) Kowalski; seven grandchildren: Sarah, Ethan, Zeke, and Amanda Breuninger, Samantha (Miles) Lee, David Kowalski and Alex Kowalski; one great-grandchild, Mason Lee; one sister, Phylis Fuerstenau, a special friend, Arlene, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn Poulson, and two brothers-in-law, Gordon Fuerstenau, and Keith Poulson.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at St. Andrew's United Church of Christ, Dexter, with Rev. Charles Bigelow officiating. Private burial will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor.

The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family respectfully requests that all attendees wear a mask.

Sylvia L. Hampton

Sylvia Louise Hampton was born October 31, 1933 in Paragould, Arkansas to Jack and Mildred Smith. She was one of nine children. She passed away at the age of 87 on September 28, 2021 with her family by her side. She married Francis (Marion) Hampton on November 19, 1949, and they had two sons, Fred of Stockbridge, MI, and James of Belleville, MI, and they both survive. She had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A few of the many things she enjoyed were quilting, sewing, going to garage sales, and camping, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by two sisters, Velta and Mary, and one brother, Edward. She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 62 years, two sisters, Lola and Betty, and three brothers, LD, MJ and Carl James.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. Burial will follow at Alban Cemetery in Ypsilanti, MI.

Robert W. "Bob" Hoffman

Robert W. “Bob” Hoffman, age 69, of Gregory, MI, passed away on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He was born September 26, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI, the son of William and Cora (Fox) Hoffman. He married Jeanne A. (Keiser) on February 26, 2004 in Hawaii, and she survives him. Also surviving are two daughters, Stacy (Matthew) Tatman, and Dawn (Jason) Risner; five grandchildren Dylan, Libby, John, Jake, and Janelle; two sisters, Barbara Taylor and Evelyn Daniels; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob was a very hard worker and could fix anything. He worked as a mechanic for Buurma Farms, a job he enjoyed very much. He was often referred to as “Bob from Buurma’s.” He loved tractors and diesels, farming, hunting, and spending time with friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters. He was a beloved father and grandfather, and his family has many fond memories with him. He enjoyed traveling and had been as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico.

Bob had served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He will be laid to rest at Plainfield Cemetery at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 2-6 p.m. at the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn Post #510 in Stockbridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Mackinder-Glenn #510.

Samuel Smith

Samuel A. Smith, age 34, of Jackson, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at his home. He was born on June 19, 1987 in Fort Knox, KY, the son of Steven R. Smith I and Diane M. (Salyer). Sam had lived in the Jackson area for the past nine years, moving from Stockbridge. He was a mechanic, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his father, Steve Smith of Arizona, his fiancee, Katlyn Risner, three children, Logan, Liam, and Ella, his siblings: Steven Smith II of Munith, Jama (Sean) Quinn of Ireland, and Patricia (Jason) Hawkins of Stockbridge; also several aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and multiple nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Forest Holbrook

Forest Holbrook, age 87, of Munith, MI, passed away on September 22, 2021 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI. He was born May 30, 1934 in Breathitt Co., KY the son of Oscar and Pearlie (Brown) Holbrook.

Forest had lived in the Munith area for 60 plus years. He retired from several area farms milking cows. He enjoyed being outdoors, walking his trail, repairing lawn tractors, and lawn care. While indoors, he loved listening to gospel and bluegrass music, as well as doing puzzles and playing his guitar. He also enjoyed going to church and was a member of the Bunker Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ingham County.

Forest is survived by his wife, Belle Holbrook, six children, Bessie (Mark) Schertzing of Stockbridge, Imogean (Mark) Sayre of Jackson, Vicie (David) Sturgill of Munith, Rick (Mammie) Holbrook of Grass Lake, Tessie (Tim) Handshoe of Munith, and Chastty (Chris) Clark of Jackson; 13 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; also three of his siblings: Nora Williams of KY, Bert Holbrook of Fowlerville, and Melvin Holbrook of KY.

He was preceded in death by a son, Cecil Holbrook, grandsons, Joshua Sturgill and Kyle Bradshaw, and seven siblings: Hagar, Elmer Lee, May, Faye, Catherine, Edith and Ethel.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 26, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Munith.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-2 p.m.

Jerrold E. Bivins

Jerrold E. Bivins, age 81, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at his home. He was born February 3, 1940, in Jackson, MI, the son of James and Laura (Peterson) Bivins. Jerrold had lived in the area since 1995, moving from Ann Arbor. He owned and operated Jerrold’s Flooring in Stockbridge. Jerrold enjoyed socializing with people and watching football. He liked to spend time outdoors, working in his garden and growing stuff, as well as bird watching. He was a member of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church.

He is survived by two children, Todd (Geraldine) Bivins of Jackson, Shelley Bivins of Dexter, his first wife, Joyce Bivins of Dexter, his step-children Bonnie (Chuck) Knight of Stockbridge, and Cyndi (Dean) McBrien of Pinckney; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his siblings: James (Pat) Bivins of N. Carolina, William (Judy) Bivins of Brooklyn, MI, Lora Stanfield of Oklahoma, Joseph Bivins, Daniel Bivins, and Michael (Sandy) Bivins, all of Napoleon, Sandy (Rick) Steinberger of Brighton; and two half-sisters, Wanetta Blair of Napoleon, and Mary (Sam) Racey of Clinton.

He was preceded in death by his second wife, Lois Ann Bivins, on November 13, 2020.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-1 p.m.

Therma E. Curtis

Therma E. Curtis, age 102, of Stockbridge, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at the Chelsea Retirement Community.

She was born on February 21, 1919 in Dansville, MI, the daughter of Fred and Allie Mae (Younglove) Hayhoe.

Therma had lived in the area her entire life. She was a life-member of the Millville United Methodist Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married, and served on the board as trustee. She worked for many years for the Stockbridge School District as a teacher’s assistant. Therma enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading. She also loved to travel.

On June 3, 1941, she married Glenn R. Curtis, and he preceded her in death on August 16, 1984. She is also preceded in death by her son, Clark Curtis, three brothers, and four sisters.

Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Mary Curtis, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dansville.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millville United Methodist Church.